Prenatal Sterol-Pathway Drugs Linked to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds

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Source: Neuroscience News
Prenatal Sterol-Pathway Drugs Linked to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds
Photo: Neuroscience News
TL;DR Summary

A nationwide analysis of 6.14 million births found that prenatal exposure to sterol biosynthesis–inhibiting medications (SBIMs) is linked to a higher autism risk: 1.47× with at least one SBIM, and a 1.33× increase for each additional SBIM, reaching 2.33× when four or more are used. SBIM exposure rose from 4.3% of pregnancies in 2014 to 16.8% in 2023. The authors emphasize caution in prescribing during pregnancy and the need for safer alternatives, while noting these drugs remain essential for many adults.

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